Atlanta August Weather: What to Expect and How to Prepare

August in Atlanta, Georgia is hot, humid, and very much still summer. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting during this month, knowing what the weather feels like day to day can make a big difference in how you plan outdoor time, what you wear, and how you stay comfortable.

Below is a clear, locally focused guide to Atlanta’s August weather and how to handle it.

Typical August Temperatures in Atlanta

August is one of the hottest months of the year in Atlanta.

Typical temperature range:

• High temperatures: Often in the upper 80s to low 90s.
• Heat index: Because of humidity, it can feel hotter than the thermometer reading.
• Overnight: It usually stays warm, often not dropping below the mid-70s, especially in the city core.

If you’re not used to Southern summers, the combination of heat and humidity can feel intense, especially in the afternoon.

Humidity, Heat Index, and Air Quality

Humidity

Atlanta’s humidity in August is usually high. You can expect:

• A sticky, heavy feel to the air, especially in the morning and late afternoon.
• Clothes taking longer to dry.
• Hair and skin reacting more than usual to moisture in the air.

Because humidity slows the body’s ability to cool itself, a 90°F day can feel closer to the upper 90s.

Heat Index and Heat Advisories

Local forecasters in Atlanta regularly mention the “feels-like” temperature, or heat index, in August.

• When the heat index climbs into the upper 90s or above, local officials may issue heat advisories.
• These advisories are especially important for people spending long hours outdoors.

You can monitor these conditions through local TV stations or the National Weather Service Atlanta office, which serves the metro area.

Air Quality

August can also bring air quality concerns, especially on still, hot days:

• Ozone levels can rise in the afternoon.
• The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) sometimes issues Code Orange or higher air quality alerts during the summer.

On poor air quality days, people who are sensitive to pollution (including some older adults and children) often try to:

• Exercise earlier in the morning.
• Limit long outdoor workouts during the hottest part of the day.
• Keep windows closed and use indoor air conditioning when possible.

Rain, Thunderstorms, and Storm Patterns

How Often It Rains in August

Atlanta’s August weather typically includes frequent, short-lived showers or thunderstorms, especially:

• Afternoons and early evenings
• Days that start off very sunny and humid

You may see a forecast that shows a “chance of thunderstorms” on many days, but that doesn’t mean it will rain continuously. Often:

• Mornings are dry and partly sunny.
• Storms pop up quickly in the afternoon.
• Rain can be heavy but brief, followed by clearing skies.

Thunderstorms and Lightning

Thunderstorms in August can be strong:

• Heavy downpours that can quickly create ponding on roads and slow traffic.
• Frequent lightning; lightning strikes are common with summer storms in North Georgia.
• Occasional gusty winds that may bring down small limbs or briefly knock out power in some neighborhoods.

If you are at an outdoor event (for example, a Braves game at Truist Park or a concert at Chastain Park Amphitheatre), be prepared for delays or shelter-in-place instructions if thunderstorms roll through.

Tropical Influence

While Atlanta is inland, August is within the Atlantic hurricane season. Most storms weaken by the time they reach North Georgia, but sometimes:

• Remnants of tropical systems can bring extended periods of rain, gusty winds, and localized flooding.
• You might notice a day or more of steady rain rather than the usual short, pop-up storms.

Local news and the National Weather Service (NWS) Atlanta office closely monitor these systems when they may affect the metro area.

Sunlight, Day Length, and UV Index

Though days begin to shorten slightly compared to June and July, August in Atlanta still offers plenty of daylight:

• Sunrise: Generally in the 6:40–7:00 a.m. range.
• Sunset: Around 8:10–8:00 p.m. early in the month, slowly getting earlier.

The UV index is often high to very high on clear days:

• Midday sun (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) can be intense, especially with heat reflecting off pavement in areas like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
• Even on partly cloudy days, you can burn quickly without protection.

How August Weather Feels in Different Parts of Atlanta

In the Urban Core (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead)

The “urban heat island” effect can make central Atlanta feel hotter than outlying suburbs:

• More concrete and asphalt trap heat.
• Temperatures in the city may stay a few degrees warmer at night.
• Areas near major roads (I‑75/85, I‑20, the Downtown Connector) can feel especially hot and stuffy.

Spending time along the Atlanta BeltLine, especially in shady stretches, can be somewhat more comfortable, but expect heat wherever you go.

In the Suburbs and Nearby Areas

Neighborhoods in DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties often feel similar to the city, but:

• Spots with more trees and green space can feel a bit cooler in the early morning and evening.
• Higher elevations in parts of North Fulton and Cobb may have slightly cooler nights, but humidity remains high.

In Parks and Green Spaces

Atlanta’s nickname, the “City in a Forest,” helps a little:

• Shady areas in Piedmont Park, Grant Park, Freedom Park, and along the Chattahoochee River can feel noticeably cooler in the shade.
• However, humidity can feel stronger in heavily wooded or river-adjacent areas.

Mosquitoes are active in many parks and along creeks and ponds, especially after rain and around dusk.

What to Wear in Atlanta in August

Clothing Basics

Because it’s hot and humid, most people in Atlanta rely on lightweight, breathable clothing:

• Short sleeves, tank tops, and shorts during the day.
• Lightweight dresses, linen, and moisture-wicking fabrics for both casual and business-casual settings.
• A light layer (like a thin cardigan or long-sleeve shirt) can be helpful indoors, where air conditioning may feel cold.

For office workers or visitors attending meetings in Downtown or Midtown:

• Business attire is often adapted to the heat—short sleeves, lighter fabrics, and dress shoes that are comfortable for walking between buildings.
• Many people commute with more casual, cooler clothes and change once they reach the office.

Footwear

Because sudden storms are common:

• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals that handle getting wet are useful.
• If you walk a lot around places like Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, or the BeltLine, choose shoes with good traction for occasional slick sidewalks.

Staying Comfortable and Safe in the Heat

Even if you’re used to Atlanta summers, August still demands a bit of planning.

Timing Outdoor Activities

To avoid the worst of the heat:

• Aim for early morning (around sunrise) or later evening for:
  • Walking or running on the BeltLine
  • Visiting Piedmont Park, Grant Park, or Chastain Park
  • Doing yard work or home projects
• Midday (11 a.m.–4 p.m.) is usually the hottest window.

Hydration and Cooling Off

Some practical ways to stay comfortable:

• Drink water regularly when you’re outside, even for casual activities like shopping around Ponce City Market or exploring Little Five Points.
• Make use of indoor, air-conditioned spaces:
  • Museums (for example, in the Arts District area)
  • Shopping centers like those in Buckhead and Perimeter
  • Libraries and community centers run by the City of Atlanta or Fulton County

Public libraries and community centers across the metro area also serve as informal cooling spaces during extreme heat for many residents who need a break from outdoor conditions.

Weather and Heat Information Resources in Atlanta

If you need reliable, local weather or air quality information:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta/Peachtree City Office
  4 Falcon Drive
  Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Phone: (770) 486-0028

• Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) – Air Protection Branch (headquartered in Atlanta)
  4244 International Parkway, Suite 120
  Atlanta, GA 30354
  Main line commonly listed for general inquiries

Local TV and radio stations based in Atlanta also provide frequent updates on heat advisories, storms, and air quality alerts.

Planning Events and Travel Around August Weather

Outdoor Events and Festivals

Atlanta’s August calendar often includes:

• Outdoor concerts and neighborhood festivals
• Sports events, including Atlanta Braves home games

Weather considerations:

• Events may continue despite heat, but shade, water, and breaks are important.
• Thunderstorms can delay or pause events; organizers usually monitor radar closely.

When planning to attend:

• Bring a refillable water bottle if allowed.
• Pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Keep a small poncho or compact umbrella for pop-up showers.

Driving and Commuting

Heavy downpours in August can quickly affect driving conditions:

• Reduced visibility during storms, especially on I‑285, I‑75/85, and GA‑400.
• Standing water on some roads and at low-lying intersections.
• Longer commute times during afternoon rush hour when storms line up with traffic.

If you use MARTA or local transit, storms can occasionally cause short service delays due to lightning or flooding in certain areas.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Attractions in August

Because of the heat, many residents and visitors balance their plans:

Good outdoor options (early or late in the day):

• Walks along the Atlanta BeltLine.
• Morning visits to Piedmont Park, Grant Park, or neighborhood trails.
• Evening dining on shaded patios at city restaurants.

Better indoor options (midday, when it’s hottest):

• Downtown and Midtown museums, galleries, and cultural centers.
• Shopping and dining in indoor retail centers.
• Indoor family activities such as aquariums, exhibits, and other climate-controlled attractions.

A common pattern is to plan the most heat-sensitive activities for morning or evening and keep the middle of the day flexible for indoor plans in case storms flare up.

Key Takeaways About Atlanta August Weather

• Hot and humid: Expect upper 80s to low 90s with a sticky feel most days.
• Frequent storms: Many afternoons bring pop-up thunderstorms, sometimes intense but usually brief.
• High UV and air quality concerns: Sun can be strong, and some days bring elevated ozone levels.
• Plan around the heat: Outdoor activities are most comfortable early or late in the day, with indoor, air-conditioned time in the afternoon.
• Stay flexible: Keep a backup indoor plan for sudden downpours and check local forecasts regularly.

Understanding Atlanta’s August weather helps you schedule your day smarter—whether you’re commuting to work in Midtown, exploring parks and trails, or visiting from out of town.